Obo is the name of a young monkey, and Bob Anderson'sdelightful book for children, titled OBO, is the story of how Obodiscovered Paradise. While still very young, Obo heard a beautiful bird singing. He asked the bird where it was from. When the bird told him it lived in Paradise, Obo decided to search for that wonderful place. And that's just what he did when he got big enough to do so. As he searched, he asked each jungle animal he met whether or not it knew where Paradise was... Anderson filled his book with wonderfully detailed drawings of all the plant and animal life Obo encountered in the jungle. The final picture is a gathering of ninety-nine creatures around a watering hole. A poster of that scene is available upon request from the publisher. OBO ends with a glossary describing nearly forty jungle dwellers. Each animal has a small picture, followed by a pronunciation guide to its name. He also includes a brief description of the creature's habits. Young and old alike will enjoy Obo's search for Paradise, and their own search for all the creatures hiding in the jungle. Sandra I. Smith, Reviewer

Obo, the story of a monkey searching for Paradise, manages to take the reader there as well. The author and illustrator, Bob Anderson, has captured a distinct quality of fantasy in his drawings, allowing adults and children alike to immerse themselves in this lush world. The true beauty of this book is in the minute detail and realism found in the pen and ink drawings and in the author's dedication to lush environmental atmosphere. This book is a must-have for families with children of various ages.

I had the rare opportunity of seeing this book in its original manuscript form and although I have not yet seen the final in-print version, I can say that it is a treasure! The illustrations are intricate, mysterious, and sophisticated, and I can only assume that they will be equally appealing to adults as well as children of all ages. The story is timeless with a universal theme which is dealt with on multiple levels in such a way that small children who are being read to will enjoy it while also offering enough interest and humor to encourage young readers and adults to enjoy it as well. The drawings and glossary at the end add a nice extra touch which really pulls the whole work together as an excellent learning tool (again, for both children and adults).

This endangered animal is the star of a wonderful story.

Robby the rhino's identity problem is lots of fun for kids. Also, the art in this book is spectacular. Look for the wonderful pictures of the imaginary nosserus.

The rhinocerus in this story is so delightful. He thinks he'stracking down a dangerous beast. It's really himself. And the art ismagnificent.

Mr. Ben-Shahar does a great job at presenting his research and personal experiences in various Southafrican bush areas. In addition to his interesting narratives, Ben-Shahar provides us with the opportunity to enjoy some of his outstanding photographs. A must read if planning a trip to a Southafrican destination.

"On the Trail of the Wild..." captures the essence of a land that is a curiosity to so many and yet known to so few. The author has brought to life some of the more spectacular regions of Southern Africa, with detailed descriptions of the topography, ecology, and it's wildlife inhabitants. From the smallest beetle to the massive elephants, he describes their interactions and the important role each plays in this complex society. And into all this he has woven some incredible personal experiences that the average urban dweller can not begin to imagine.

Rather than painting a glamorous picture of life in the bush, Mr. Ben-Shahar has presented a realistic description of the harsh conditions he experienced and the unpredictability of the wildlife. The fact that he survived an elephant attack, endured the long and painful recovery, and still returned to the bush speaks well for his deep love and respect for this wonderful land.

If you've ever been to Southern Africa or thought about going, this book is definitely one you will enjoy.

One comes across many books on the African wilds both in the coffee table category and the more informative data and detail-type. This book combines the best elements of both, and is one of the most outstanding books I have ever come across on this subject. The photographs are exceptionally good. They are enhanced through the knowledge and sensitivity of the author towards his subject, and this unique combination of understanding and ability provides for a photographic view of the wilds that few photographers, let alone authors, could emulate. The author's experiences and knowledge of both wild creatures and wild places is ably shared with the reader, and together with the magnificent photographs, the reader is able to enjoy the best of the Southern African wilds through the medium of a book - this is a rare achievement!

Incredible book. Great for beginning to learn the basics of egyptian history.

As a quote expresses on the back of this book, "If you only want to read one book on Egypt, then read this one." Ian Shaw's history of ancient Egypt is a beautifully constructed volume that is at once densely packed with information and high in its level of scholarship, and aesthetically appealing and fairly accessible. The book surveys Egyptian history from 700,000 years before the present through the Roman period (ending in AD 395). This is an enormous task, and one might assume that the book could only be very summary and superficial in its treatment of each period. However, every member of Shaw's team of scholars manages to describe his or her period of expertise in a good amount of detail, discussing not only historical events but also art, religion, economics, and material culture. The book thus very successfully follows current trends in history of approaching periods from myriad points of view. Equally importantly, each author discusses the current problems and debates in the scholarship of his or her field. The multi-author approach allows the reader insight into the nature of research for each stage of Egyptian history: the reader gets a sense of the way in which research is conducted, the modes of analysis applied, and the style and terms of discussion. This book serves as an introduction to Egyptian historiography and to the nature of the study of ancient history almost as much as it serves as an introduction to ancient Egypt itself. Thus, The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt manages a high level of scholarship while remaining a useful survey of a huge span of time and culture. Readers who are unfamiliar with archaeological language might find some of the articles in this volume slightly more difficult than others, but there is a decent glossary in the back, and it is more the scholarly tone than the actual material that needs getting used to. Any reader who is genuinely interested in the topic will be able to read through this entire book without much trouble. My only reservation is this: the highly dense nature of the text means that it is occasionally a bit of a slow read. I read the book for a graduate class with Egyptologist David O'Connor (excavator of Abydos; you will see him mentioned several times in the book) and it took me about a week of constant focus. On the whole, though, this is a remarkable book and probably the best existing introduction to ancient Egypt. With a publication date of 2002, it is also the most up-to-date.

I cannot praise this book enough. Unfortunately in academic areas, introductions and overviews to various fields, particularly broad histories, tend to reflect the opinions and suppositions of the authors much more than render the actual environment they are working in. This book proves to be a rare exception to this sad fact and sets a standard of scholarship to be emulated by all researchers of the ancient world. Never in egyptology, assyriology, or biblical studies have I found a history that did such a wonderful job of laying out the textual and archaeological finds that scholars base their judgments upon. This is important to me, as I am in disagreement with many scholarly communities about issues of chronology. This book, rather than simply laying out tables and dates, supplements those tables with actual references to the texts and archaeological items that have lead scholars to date things the way they have, pointing out inconsistancies and uncertainties along the way.

After reading this book, I have become convinced that the history of Egypt is not as well known as most books on Egypt would have us believe.

The book is a mammoth undertaking, attempting to chronicle the history of Egypt from prehistory until 311 BC. Introductory sections on the state of research and certainty of chronolology are extremely enlightening. I was particularly impressed with the chapters on prehistory and the naqada culture, in which the archeological evidence and its interpretation were expressely explained to the reader, allowing the reader to agree or disagree with the authors as they wish. My only complaint is that the book, being an anthology of essays by a variety of scholars, shows some inconsistancy in its thoroughness. The chapter on the 18th dynasty reads a little like standard books on the subject, that is, the reader is kept from the evidence to support the author's view and the author seems to have trouble distinguishing his own suppositions from the facts of history, at times appearing a little tendentious.

Overall, this book is the best history of an ancient culture that I have yet read.

After all the fine words and 'never agains' the truth is out. Genocide will slip right in front of major organs of news and nothing happens to stop it.
This short but detailed account of the Rwanda genocide 1994 is both low-key and shocking and needs examination.

Probably, the story of Rwandan genocide is the most shocking international scandal of the post World War II era. The book is a brilliant reconstruction of that time, written with amazing clarity and based on well established facts.
In three months of 1994 about one million people was killed in organised genocide. The killing rate was five times faster than that achieved by the Nazis during WWII holocaust. But on the contrary to the Nazis, the Rwandan genocide happened in the full light of the international media, with the full knowledge of the UN Security Council and the Western governments.
Linda Melvern describes and documents in detail the role of the West in the genocide.
The story is so bad that almost all of the publishers in the UK refused to publish this book with comments like "the story is really too awful" or "I cannot see people forking out money to read about such an unspeakable subject..."

Do you think you can fork out some money for the truth? I think this book is certainly worth any money.

'Quite extraordinary: precise, and yet overwhelming; a fine balance in the face of depravity... Linda Melvern has written an extraordinary account of the Rwanda genocide, and the shocking failure of the West to lift a finger... What Melvern demonstrates so powerfully is that where Western geopolitical interests are absent, Western morality and 'civilised' concerns are nowhere to be found ... A brave and compelling book.' - Professor Richard Falk, Center of International Studies, Princeton University

'This is a devastating account of lies, deceit, complacency and tragic neglect.... All we can hope is that this fine book will provide lessons for the future, because it provides all of us who lobby and campaign for early warning systems and conflict prevention with invaluable evidence. Looking around the world, you wonder what has been learnt since 1994. Linda Melvern deserves our thanks for investing so much in breaking the silence and revealing the truth.' - Glenys Kinnock, MEP; Chair, Forum on Early Warning And Early Response (FEWER)

'What happened in Rwanda is one of the most appalling, heartbreaking tragedies that the world has known. Why did it occur? And what more could have been done to prevent it? This serious, very thorough attempt to answer those questions will be essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand what happened. This is a powerful and important book.' - The Right Reverend Richard Harries, Bishop of Oxford

'A riveting and well-researched account of the horrendous crimes committed in Rwanda while an indifferent world, to its shame, looked the other way. There are grim lessons here for everyone, from international statesmen and politicians to responsible citizens and decent human beings everywhere' - Dame Margaret Anstee

'This is a very important book. It is a book that a large number of people should read....what is good about the book is that it shows the big picture. It shows the failure that actually took place. It tells the story of what really happened. An outstandingly good book... ...compelling.....its content is exceptional.' - Colin Keating, Secretary for Justice, New Zealand Ministry of Justice, and former New Zealand Ambassador to the UN

This is an excellent story of an unsung hero of East Africa and the struggle against slavery. The author has repeatedly travelled to Africa, is a physician, and has written an earlier book about West Africa. The book is well researched and is a very good read.

This is a very readable depiction of East Africa, the slave trade and Dr. John Kirk, an almost unknown English hero of last century. He was instrumental in bringing an end to the vicious slave trade in East Africa and his life was interwoven with the famous Stanley and Livingstone pair. Dr. Kirk emerges as a better man than either of those two, by far. A bit choppy at times, but a first class and richly researched history that came alive for me. If you like history, social issues, Africa or just good adventure this this is a very satisfying read.

The physician and the slave trade takes you to East Africa where John Kirk, A Scottish physician joins David Livingstone on the Zambezi expedition. From 1858 to 1863, they steamed up rivers and roamed the jungles enduring blistering heat, rampant tropical diseases snakes and hostile Africans, Arabs, and rival Europeans. Through it all Kirk and Livingstone persevered, promoting commerce, christianity and civilization while working against a powerful slave trade that saw more than 100,000 slaves shipped abroad each year. Maneuvering his way against the endless intrigue of Arab slavers and European geopolitics, Kirk succeeded against incredible odds in convincing the Sultan of Zanzibar to ban the highly lucrative slave trade. This is a gripping true story of intrigue and adventure in East Africa and the end of the slave trade.

Jean Phillips' book RESCUE not only was very interesting but it gave me a new perspective on life. I particularly appreciate the last chapter concerning trials and affictions. It was the most straight forward and easy-to-understand explanation I have come across.

This book is, to put it simply, a record of one woman's walk of faith. It is a depiction of God's servants being repeatedly led into the "valley of the shadow of death" and experiencing divine deliverance.For those who consider foreign missions "pie in the sky" preaching to the heathen, this book will immediately disabuse them of such a misconception.As a teenage friend, college suite mate, and bridesmaid to the author, I have intimate knowlege of her early dedication to God and His calling in her life. This book is a lifelong record of her answer to that call.The comment has often been made that some Christians are "so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good". One of the most appealing facets of this book is the revelation of the oh-so-human emotions of the author and her husband, as they faced many hardships and even death while fulfilling the ministry to which God called them. She makes no attempt to hide nor deny these emotions, but reveals them to the reader, and in so doing shows us that by facing our humanity and turning it over to God, He is able use us to glorify His name, regardless of where our place of service may lie.The author presents to the reader not only the nitty-gritty aspects of day-to-day mission work, lived out with her husband over a period of more than 40 years, but also, the simple joy to be derived from seeing lives changed by God's working through His devoted servants.After many years, during which our paths took different directions, it was a blessing to recently renew our friendship and observe, first hand, how the many trials and tribulations the author and her family have endured have matured her faith and her love and acceptance of all God's creatures.

The Phillips' journey of faith in Africa, which lasted over 40 years, is one that can be an encouragement to all. The watchcare of God over them, even in the midst of the Rhodesian Civil War and many other hazards, is a miracle. God honored their faithfulness with His faithfulness to them during their lifetime of service.

This man has considerably more skill both as a thinker and as a writer than the average philosopher, or anthropologist, or even 'New Age prophet'. He really lays everything bare, like it or not, about the advantages of living in a subsistence community (as against our modern society). And further, he explains how the rituals work which those folks use to maintain links with the spirits of their ancestors, as well as with the earth and with each other.

Malidoma's brief but cogent exposition on the reasons behind how animal sacrifice works would flay apart the average modern-day monotheist's supposedly reasoned rants against such practices.

His chapter-length analysis of the Dagara's typical 3-day funeral ceremony is probably the most cogent dissection and analysis of a societal function that I have ever read, and coming from a true insider makes it that much more accurate as well as poignant, and believable. There's not a wisp of mere speculative cogitation coming from this man.

This book opened/cleansed my eyes and my soul about African culture at least as much as Gary Snyder's 'Earth House Hold: Technical Queries to Fellow Dharma Revolutionaries' did as regards Asia, way back in 1969. I tend to think that those who approach this discussion with an open mind and heart will find themselves changed in very profound ways, not necessarily painlessly, but possibly, very thoroughly, and for the better.

I met Mr. Some and his wife, and worked with them for a couple of hours around 12 years ago at a Michigan Medicine Wheel Gathering hosted by Sun Bear and his Bear Tribe. He is all that he seems, and then some. His laughter and sense of humor have almost a madcap quality that seems to reach far into the Otherworld, maybe even stemming from there. Yet he still feels to be very localized/grounded in the world of flesh and bone, as if the two (this world and the 'next') are not all that remote from each other. He's fun to be around, in addition to being bathed with a glow of dynamic, benign power.

I cannot stop reading Malidoma Patrice Some's accounts of his life and the lives of the Dagara people of Burkina Faso. The strong linkages between community, spirit, rituals, and individual growth are compelling and very engrossing. I first read "The Healing Wisdom of Africa: Finding Life Purpose Through Nature, Ritual, and Community," with awe and a realization of the connections that my own people lost when my ancestors were transported from this part of the world by slave traders.

However, Malidoma, through works like this one, opens our eyes to the possibilities that all is not lost to us, and that even in this modern westernized culture, there are ways in which we can begin to make some of those connections again, through the way we relate to community and our loved ones.

I found the chapter titled "a ritual sampler:The funeral and language of grief especially interesting and thought provoking.

I can hardly wait to read more of your books Malidoma. Thank you.

I first read Of Water and Spirit,5 years ago, and was moved and totally absorbed by Malidoma's account of his most amazing life journey. And I just recently read his third book, The Healing Wisdom Of Africa, and now this, his second book.

There are similarities you will find in this book and The Healing Wisdom Of Africa. But this book, has many more personal accounts of his experiences with Ritual,and with his Grandfather, a powerful influence in his life. He gives a very in depth description of the Death ritual, which caused me to reflect upon the funerals I have gone to, and the vast difference. I found myself wanting to attend a Death ritual,with the Dagara, if only to participate in the togetherness of such a moving and human ceremony.

He shares with us the depth and detail of a culture that has so much to share and to teach everyone. I for one, feel blessed to have been exposed to such wisdom and beauty through Malidomas writings.

Home sweet home: a place of love, refuge, and memories. For Helen Martin's it was also her life, her work and her Mecca. In the play "The Road to Mecca" Athol Fugard explores the question: Should we leave our Mecca, our spiritual fountainhead, when we can no longer take care of ourselves? The conflict between the three strong willed characters Helen, Elsa and Pastor Marius explores the question in the light of different religions, cultures, genders, ages and environments. Fugard said the play was suggested by the life and work of Helen Martins of New Bathesda, South Africa. The real Helen from age 50 to 75 transformed her house into a personal universe that enters the realm of archetype, symbol and metaphor. The house, furniture, windows and walls became a kaleidoscope of colored glass. In her garden she constructed over 200 figures: owls, Biblical figures, Buddhas, and ancient gods and goddesses. One South African scholar described her work as one of the most stirring experiences of his life and another called her one of South Africa's artistic geniuses. Fugard in his play shows Helen's creations as a glorious, makeshift oasis of creativity and life force and Elsa, his character, sees Helen as an example of freedom and transcendence. One powerful scene is when Helen, seated in her Mecca with dozens of candles playing off glittered walls and mirrors, tells Pastor Marius "I can't reduce my world to a few ornaments in a small room in an old-age home." The effect is stunning. The play is thought provoking and gives few answers. Helen is alive when it ends. Sadly, in 1975, the real Helen committed suicide. She drank caustic soda and died after three days I solitary agony. Her will included complex instructions listing in detail the ritual disposal of each of her sculptures. But today her home, known as "The Owl House" has been proclaimed a national monument and is a mecca for artists and tourists.

A reclusive elderly widow (based on the late Helen Martins, whose South African home is now a museum) has created her own "Mecca" by decorating the inside of her home with candles and mirrors and by surrounding the house with an assortment of personally-sculpted mermaids, wisemen, peacocks and pyramids. Although her neighbors view Miss Helen as a crazy old woman, she has made friends with Elsa Barlow, a young teacher who has returned for a surprise visit. On that same day, clergyman Marius Byleveld has come to help Helen apply to a nursing home. Marius is fond of Helen and fears for her safety. Elsa is in opposition to a move as it would take Helen away from her art.

I was originally concerned that a drama focusing on an old woman's artwork would not translate well to a listening experience. How could I care as deeply about Miss Helen if I was not able to see the oddball sculptures she had created? Surely the vision of "a city of light and color more splendid than anything I had ever imagined" could not be adequately transmitted through the speakers of my tape player. I need not have worried. One of my favorite parts of the entirely wonderful listen remains the moment when Helen lights her room with candles -- music comes up and there is absolutely no problem seeing a room aglow in a growing light of imagination and art. Adding to the experience is a superb cast performing a well-written examination of what it means to be an artist, what it means to be older, and what it means to be shunned. Fabulous!

Excellent recording quality, an interesting listen.

There are many books in the motorcycle adventure travel genre, but few have been written by someone who is a good writer. Jonny Bealby does a great job of relating his journey across Africa from the northern deserts to the tropical jungles on a Yamaha Tenere with an appropriate mix of story telling, philosophy, and motorcycling. This book is the same league as "Obsessions Die Hard" by Ed Culberson in terms of adventure, entertainment and readability. Highly recommended for the armchair adventurer!

I have two main hobbies, off road motorcycling and reading, so when i bought RUNNING WITH THE MOON, i knew i was onto a winner and would enjoy it even before i had turned a page. From the tragic prologue to the epilogue after his incredible journey is over this book is a real rollercoaster of emotions (sorry about the cliche , but its true). You almost feel like you were there, and i wished i could have been to assist him when the bike got bogged down in thigh high water filled jungle tracks ,i know from experience what its like to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a broken down bike. But then again there is a BIG difference between the middle of nowhere in the Yorkshire Dales, and the middle of nowhere in the Congo!(no gorillas in Yorkshire!). I also wanted to buy him a drink to cheer him up when he was stood up in Cairo, although that did eventually have a happy outcome. Initially i bought this book because of my interest in motorcycles, but non bikers dont be put off, i can heartily recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure. Excellent!

"Running with the Moon," an autobiography by JonnyBealby recounts the adventures of a man on a motorbike travellingthrough Africa in hopes of finding insights and answers to his lifeafter the sudden death of his fiance. What makes this book so notable is the fact that a journey of the sort undertaken by the author would be impossible in todays age due to the political state of the majority of African countries in the present. After the death of his fiance while travelling in Kashmir Jonny Bealby returns to an England which is not the same. Day to day life having changed into a struggle of lost hopes and loves. Challenged by this austere new world and compounded by his confusion he decides to undertake a journey across Africa apon a motorcycle. Accompanied by his best friend Neil, the two prepare for their journey and set off, a Yamaha Tenere under each...A fascinating insight into the beauty and sadness of a man who uncovers Africa for the reader and once again reclaims the peices of himself lost to him by past tragedies. Defianitely a must for the reader with a soft side for travel and adventure.